Eight pieces of advice to first-year UofGH students

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Your journey as a first-year student at the University of Guelph-Humber has begun and here are some words of wisdom from your peers as well as resources and insights on how to navigate—and ace— this new chapter of your academic life.

1. New Student Transition

There are several programs and initiatives as part of UofGH’s New Student Transition designed for you to help you in your status as a new student and make sure you reach your goals. The First Year Experience program offers workshops throughout October and into November and can help you learn how to thrive in your new environment while also helping you to make new friends. Be sure to also explore the Co-curricular Record (CCR) for all the other opportunities for mentorship, learning and growth that Student Life about Health and Well-being has to offer.

2. Work hard, but pause too

Momentum is of course important in higher education. Between the readings, assignments, tests, quizzes and exams scheduled all throughout the semester, you will need to organize and strategize your workload.

“Take plenty of breaks because the worst possible thing you can do is burn yourself out,” said Dalton Beseau, a third-year Justice Studies student.

“In University, you will have a very heavy workload, and it is important that you take time for yourself. The most difficult part is completing your readings. In some situations, you will be reading a ‘chapter book’ every week. Just remember that you do not have to read everything.”

The Learning Support Peers about academic advising offer great workshops on university level reading and notetaking.

3. Get involved

UofGH has many clubs and societies and options for getting involved on campus, participating in athletics and giving back to the community.

4. Talk to your classmates

Unlike high school where familiar faces greeted you in the hallways, you may feel a bit lost during the first few weeks, but with UofGH’s close-knit community, the feeling will soon pass. Do not be afraid to reach out to your classmates. Chances are they too are feeling the same way.

5. Get to know your support team

From the Library to Career Services to Academic Advising, you have a team of professionals dedicated to your success. Your UofGH Academic Advisors can be your rock during first year in helping you to develop an education plan, resolve academic issues and learn about the many opportunities available to help you succeed in your first year and beyond.

6. Nourish your body and mind

The University of Guelph- Humber has several resources to ensure your health and wellbeing. Free professional counselling is available for you through Humber’s Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre.

7. Understand your strengths

The Clifton Strengths program is designed help you discover your natural talents and develop them into strengths that can help you succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

8. Success is a long-term plan

Like most things in life, academic success is a result of slow and steady work and continuous improvement. Remember it is all about progress, not perfection.

“It’s important to hone in on your technique, regardless of what stream of education you choose to follow,” says Adam Butzow, a fourth-year Media Studies student.

“Keep practising whatever it is that you’re not good at. Being in the Visual Communications program, it was important for me to get better at my photography and my post-production skills, so I kept at it until I was comfortable.”